The North Massapequa Fire Department will be hosting the organization’s Semi-Annual Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Registration on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the North Massapequa Fire Department’s Headquarters (1000 Broadway in North Massapequa, New York) from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. “Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood and local blood drives such as ours go a long way to replenishing low supplies at local blood banks,” North Massapequa Fire Department Chief Fred Ferrara said. “Blood needs to be on the shelves prior to demand, because one accident victim may require dozens of pints of blood.”

Chief Ferrara said the members of the North Massapequa Fire Department take pride in hosting this important drive. “It allows the entire community to join forces with our firefighters in saving lives,” he said. “The blood drive is open to the public and all eligible donors are welcome. It is a great opportunity to do something heroic.” Blood donors are also asked to consider joining the bone marrow registry, which may, in the future, help save the life of someone in need of bone marrow. A representative from New York Blood Center will be on hand to explain the bone marrow registration process.

Hospitals use hundreds of pints of blood each day to meet the needs of Long Island’s patients. Giving blood is always in season, and what better way to make a difference than by helping someone in need. “People should always donate whenever they can,” Chief Ferrara said. “Your life saving gift of blood is essential to help offset periods of peak demand, when supplies can drop drastically, with little notice.”

Donating is quick and easy and is an entirely safe procedure. All materials used during the process are sterile, disposable and used only once…by you. There is no danger of contracting any disease, including AIDS. The pint of blood you donate will never be missed by your body, which manufactures an equivalent amount in 24 hours. However, it could mean the difference between life and death to one or more recipients. When broken down into component parts, one single pint of blood can help save up to three lives.

To qualify as a blood donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days.

The fire department will provide food and refreshments for everyone who attends the blood drive. For more information, residents can contact the fire department by calling (516) 579-0900. Residents can also go online at www.NMFD-660.com.

“Remember, many people are counting on you to give blood,” Chief Ferrara said. “September 25th is your opportunity to help save a life. Remember, blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come for the generosity of donors.”